Stop live-streaming of debates, Speaker orders MPs

Stop live-streaming of debates, Speaker orders MPs

Johari Abdul says MPs are no longer allowed to install any devices for live streaming in the Dewan Rakyat.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul said MPs will not be able to focus on the debates if they are live-streaming to an audience. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA:
MPs are no longer allowed to live-stream parliamentary debates, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul.

“I have noticed an increasing trend among MPs installing their mobile devices on their desks and live-streaming.

“We have to stop this because the moment you speak to your audience, your concentration is no longer on what is happening in the Dewan Rakyat.

“To ensure MPs comply with Meeting Rule 35(1), I hereby announce that MPs are no longer allowed to install any devices for live streaming in the Dewan Rakyat,” he said as he began the morning session today.

Johari said if MPs wish to share any content, they can just pick up the clips from the newsfeed provided by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) or from YouTube.

Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar) and Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) are often seen using their mobile devices for live-streaming during parliamentary debates.

In February, Syed Saddiq was seen using three phones to record himself as he debated the 2023 budget policy speech.

He even had a Bluetooth microphone pinned to the lapel of his jacket during his speech, presumably for better audio clarity during the live stream.

It is understood that he was live-streaming his speech on social media platforms Facebook and TikTok.

Meanwhile, Shahidan said if the issue is MPs not facing the speaker, then their gadgets can be placed so their faces are not hidden.

“Even the prime minister was reading the teleprompter while tabling the budget last week.

“This parliament reform is backward in my opinion,” he said.

Syed Saddiq said this matter should first be discussed in the privileges committee.

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